Looking at the idea of ‘post’ from the initial assignment brief ‘communication’, I began drawing from old letters, stamps and envelopes using simple line drawings and mixed media. I feel that this is an important starting point in any project.

This image shows how I have looked at different aspects of the letters and envelopes by using a range of techniques to show different effects including: machine embroidery, cellulose thinners, mono print and magic touch. I feel this has showed how different techniques can produce interesting results.

As part of my project research I was interested in the colour and uniqueness of each individual stamp.  Intrigued by this I collaged my collection of stamps to create an overall pattern. I developed this pattern using paper weave techniques creating a distorted image, applying this to fabric using magic touch paper and manipulating it further with Canadian smocking. 

From looking at old letters I started to look at some more personal ones received from a Russian family affected by the Chernobyl disaster. As well as letters we received gifts through the post including Russian dolls.  I loved the pattern and colour in these and developed this through drawing, Photoshop and repeat pattern.

The image shows a series of small knitted samples I have created using the colours influenced by my Photoshop work. I have chosen to do this as the Russian dolls main feature is the pattern and colour and I feel these knitted samples relate to all the different patterns within each of the Russian dolls.

Here I have create a series of knitted samples, I have used a range of materials and threads as well as needle size to create different density in the knit.

These are a series of my knitted samples influenced by one of the Russian dolls I have been sent through the post. My choice of colours was influenced by the same colours in the doll and I have used different sized needles to create different effects, as well as changing the threads and materials I worked with. The different patterns created remind me of those in the Russian doll.

I used the Russian dolls to inspire my final piece, I created a series of three, using knit, weave and sculpture.  I also included minor parts of the Russian letters embroidered into the dolls. The words are very subtle but this reminds me of how we cannot understand the letters until they are translated so people do have to look closer to make out what is stitched.

After being given the brief ‘Backyard’, I started looking into festivals. My starting point was my wellington boots that I’ve worn to each festival I have been to, as well as tickets and my wristbands. This image shows how I have used a fine liner and paint to create different mixed media effects.

This image shows a close up of the bottom of my wellington boot. I have created lots of texture in this image to recreate the cracked mud effects and have also produced an embroidered piece taking inspiration from my painting.

Carrying on with the study of my wellies I was interested in the prints on the bottom of them I developed this with a brown mud like paint, printing on paper and machine embroidery.

My ideas and concepts behind this outcome have come from allotments. I want people to see each square as a different patch of land owned by someone and the dangling threads are to give an over grown effect. My final outcome was part of a group display in which the colour scheme was black and white.